The 14 best full-coverage foundations we tested in 2023

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Selecting the perfect foundation can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. What shade will match best, especially when ordering online? Is liquid foundation the right choice for me instead of powder? What about SPF? Seriously, where do I begin?!

All of these questions are valid — believe me. As someone who loves trying new makeup brands (and someone who’s a sucker for pretty packaging), I’ve been wanting to dig into the makeup minefield of liquids to powders and drugstore to high-end for quite some time.

In this edition: the very best full-coverage liquid foundations after two years of consistent testing.

Whether you’re seeking out top-rated foundations specially designed for mature skin or others to help hydrate your dry skin, this guide is for you.

Naturally, I tested dozens of foundations to put together a comprehensive list of the best ones worth your money. No more sifting through shades or spending big bucks, only to discover your new foundation only lasts for two hours and becomes cake-y.

“A full-coverage foundation has more pigment in it, therefore fully masking blemishes or marks on the skin, and evening out all discoloration, whether it’s due to the person’s veins, hyperpigmentation or rosacea and redness,” Natalie Dresher, bridal and special event makeup artist, told the New York Post, in explaining what makes a full-coverage foundation actually full coverage.

“I believe an ideal foundation should last on the skin for 12 hours perfectly for the typical, nonprofessional consumer,” Dresher added. “This means that it will last for a full work day, for a night out or a typical day of being out and about.”

Our top picks, at a glance

Click to jump to the full-coverage foundations review:

How to properly apply full-coverage foundation, per a pro

“I personally use a brush using downward strokes to not disturb any vellus hairs on the face and then I personally like to blend in any rough ‘edges’ or ‘lines’ with a damp sponge,” Dresher explains. “Damp sponges do thin out the product so I wouldn’t use a sponge directly under the eyes or on any areas where coverage is desired.”

RELATED: Best skincare brands we reviewed

For specific options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best foundation brushes. We also included an easy-to-read table highlighting the top picks in this review at a glance.

How we tested

My skin is sensitive and partially dry though it can have its oily moments, so it took me exactly two years of testing (aka, ransacking Sephora and Ulta Beauty for the best on the market) to test each one consistently. Here’s an overview of what I looked for while applying:

• Price: Regardless of budget, there’s no sense in splurging for a high-end foundation if it won’t last for hours. Though a good foundation is worth the investment, I kept the price in mind for each product tested.
• Hourly check-ins: Every hour on the hour, I looked in the mirror and checked my face to ensure there were no signs of the liquid foundation wearing off my skin or looking caked on.
• Ease of application: If the makeup brand has a matching foundation brush, I tested it out with the product, too. Within each product review below, I took note of how easy it was to apply and blend.
• Shade selection: Though I have fair skin, it’s important to detail if each brand has a realistic, extensive selection of darker shades and peachy and olive undertones. This information is rated for each product below.
• Consistency: I tested each foundation with the same concealer, translucent loose powder, bronzer and blush each day — all of which I’ve been using for years. This ensures there wasn’t an outside variable impacting how each foundation looked.
• Noteworthy features: From iconic packaging to its creaminess and smooth feel, I jotted down anything that stood out to me.

For a closer look, I have some drier spots around my nose, on my chin and above my eyebrows. But, even if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, our roundup of the best foundations can still be helpful.

That said, we have you covered — literally. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturizers, along with the best makeup primers and best setting sprays we reviewed to prep and finish off your look.

Pros:

• Offers a balanced, naturally radiant finish that’s long-wearing and won’t crease
• Generous shade range
• Hypoallergenic, so especially fitting for sensitive skin types

Cons:

• None to speak of

Price: $$

Lady Gaga may be performing “Poker Face” on stage, but she sure knows how to dish out a foundation to help you achieve your most flawless face yet. And, because the formulation was “Born This Way,” it’s surely worth the “Applause.” OK, enough Gaga puns.

The HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation with Fermented Arnica isn’t only my most-used foundation as of late but it’s the one that has received the most compliments when worn (and that’s how you know a standout foundation from the pack, TBH). It never creases, is featured in a generous shade range and even helps to reduce redness — something I noticed immediately.

It’s also hypoallergenic, so not only is this long-wearing foundation one that’ll flatter any skin tone but it’s apt for sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply to your face and blend with a brush, and it’s simply too good not to try at least once. In short, add it to your cart and thank me later.

Pros:

• Has an elegant finish that never cakes or flakes
• Includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, much like some of your skincare
• Offers a hint of a subtle glow — a nice touch after application

Cons:

• Its shade range could be more fleshed out
• Not as great of a value considering its tube size, compared to other foundations tested

Price: $$$

Ranked as the best foundation for dry skin overall in our review, the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation is lightweight (yet still full-coverage, depending on how much you’d like to apply) and — the best part — never looks cake-y or flake-y. It has one of the most elegant finishes I’ve tried in a foundation, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid in its ingredient list (aka, the dermatologist-approved superstar that just keeps on giving).

When I want something that’s easy to blend but gives me a subtle glow, this is the usual suspect I reach for — especially during the daytime. This foundation also makes my skin appear smoother whenever worn, a bonus if you want to help reduce the appearance of pores.

For more to shop, check out our Charlotte Tilbury review — featuring an interview with Miss CT herself.

Pros:

• Long-lasting, gentle formulation that does a great job of helping the skin to appear more balanced
• Pretty generous shade range

Cons:

• It may not be the best for mature skin, as other foundations tested have done a better job at helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Price: $$

Truth be told, I could make a TED Talk advocating how much I love Anastasia Beverly Hills (well, actually, my full brand review is pretty much that). The brand continues to hit it out of the park — and not just with its top-rated Brow Wiz ($25). Though, that’s one I swear by, too.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is fairly priced compared to other formulations tested and, while the appearance of fine lines isn’t completely mitigated as I may like, it’s one of the best for balancing the skin. Most importantly, it never irritates my skin and has been my go-to before consistently trying out brands for two years; this exact foundation was my go-to in high school, there for me through prom days and the cap-throwing graduation ceremony.

Better yet, its shade range is quite generous, the bottle looks spectacular on your makeup vanity and it lasts pretty much all day, though sometimes I have to use a pressed powder if I tend to get oily. Overall, it’s a gentle, trusty formulation worth adding to your shopping cart, along with the A30 Pro Domed Kabuki Brush ($24) — probably my favorite tool ever.

Pros:

• Helps eliminate the appearance of acne, bumps and imperfections with its refining feel once applied
• Offered in a generous shade range
• Wonderful to use when in hot temperatures

Cons:

• Has more of a heavier and stickier feel than other foundations tested, though not a complete dealbreaker because of how smooth it leaves the skin

Price: $$

What’s great about the Tarte Face Tape Foundation is how natural and smooth your skin will look after, which is especially great for anyone with bumpy or acne-prone skin. If my skin happens to have an acne-flare up or blemish, I resort to this particular formulation.

Part of the reason why it performs beautifully on the skin is likely its patented Tape Technology that “helps smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles,” per the brand. I totally agree with its claim, and it also is great at wicking off sweat or moisture when worn in hot temperatures.

Though it has a heavier and stickier feel, it’ll do the job of helping to make your skin feel like it’s not bumpy, hiding the blemish you have with flying colors. With a wide shade range — oh, and its top-rated Shape Tape Concealer ($31) following suit — you’ll be reaching for this quite often.

Pros:

• Naturally silky finish, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles
• Includes SPF 27 for some skin protection (though you’ll still want to apply a facial SPF before your foundation)

Cons:

• Its shade range could be more fleshed out
• Its packaging isn’t as suited for travel as others tested; though other foundations come in glass bottles, this one is heavier

Price: $$$$

I can’t be the only one whose mom dragged them to the Macy’s counter when they were little (specifically, the Lancôme counter) for their usual stock-up. When I started wearing pressed powder and some eyeshadow, I eventually enjoyed my somewhat-regular mall trips, and then saw how its array of face products swayed more toward clients with mature skin.

Though I’m in my early 20s, I can see why the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a favorite among those in their 40s to 60s. It’s versatile, serves as a wonderful base for the rest of your makeup and includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and cover lines and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 27, resulting in a silky natural glow that is especially suited toward those with duller or less plump skin.

Pros:

• Wonderful at helping to absorb oil (and excess oil) if worn throughout the day
• Impressively long-wearing and easy to apply and blend

Cons:

• Not the best for dry to extremely dry skin types, as some flaking was noticeable around the jawline
• Its shade range could be more fleshed out

Price: $$

When I used to watch makeup tutorials on YouTube (the “beauty guru era of 2012,” as I like to call it), Smashbox was always presented as a top brand for camera-flashing moments and long-day wear. That still holds true, but there’s something about its Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation that helps to absorb more oil than other foundations tested.

To set the record straight, I don’t have completely oily skin. I do, however, tend to get oily throughout the day at times, and this foundation didn’t budge. Insightfully, it flaked a bit on where my skin is ultra-dry, making me tangibly notice how much better it performed on the oilier parts of my face.

It’s another foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, but I found it to stay on for more than eight hours without smearing or sweating off. Its inclusion of antioxidants also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. With a chic bottle and trusty formula, it’s worth a shot, especially if you have oily skin.

Pros:

• Balances the skin upon first pass (bonus: it’s also buildable)
• Generous shade range
• One of the most acclaimed for wedding day makeup and recommended by professionals

Cons:

• Isn’t a thick formulation, so may not be best for those with acne-prone skin who want to cover up bumps or blemishes
• Pricier than other foundations tested

Price: $$$$

Chances are, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation is one that would come out of the mouth of any makeup artist you talk to (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure, though pricier than most. But, it’s worth every penny.

What impressed me the most? It’s not as thick as other full-coverage foundations tested, but it’s ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives your skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.

What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive, the foundation is oil-free and offers that your-skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem, and wanting to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.

Pros:

• Helps reverse the appearance of dull skin, even though it’s matte (and that’s a feat to beat)
• Includes both hyaluronic acid and SPF 30 in its formulation — the dermatologist-recommended count to use for sun protection
• Generous shade range

Cons:

• Its price point may deter some from purchasing this formulation
• It’s more lightweight than most, which may not be for those with acne-prone skin or who want to apply makeup quickly

Price: $$$$

I’m not going to lie, matte makeup isn’t really my jam. I don’t love shiny foundations either, but a formulation that offers a well-balanced, slightly radiant finish is more my speed. However, the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation didn’t make my fair skin look washed out. Instead, it felt like I was balancing my skin tone while treating my face to an array of benefits.

Because it contains both hyaluronic and SPF 30 in its formulation, this skincare buff was over-the-moon (in fact, SPF 30 is what dermatologists recommend using). It’s quite the spend — the most expensive on this list — but if you really want a wealth of benefits, it’s worth the buy.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it has a near-weightless feel that made it stand out from the rest of foundations during the testing process. It’s more lightweight, so keep that in mind, but an alluring option nonetheless.

Pros:

• One of the easiest to blend and is quite long-lasting
• Doesn’t make the skin feel heavy

Cons:

• Its shade range could be more fleshed out
• May not be the best for oily skin as it didn’t keep the skin completely oil free as the day progressed

Price: $$

True story: I met the one and only Mario Dedivanovic (the man, the myth and the legend behind the MAKEUP BY MARIO brand) to celebrate the launch of his SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation and, as soon as I tried it for the first time, I loved how plump and hydrated my skin looked.

Its quality and ability to blend exceptionally well makes me believe it should be on-par with those priced around $50 to $60 (though, I’m absolutely not complaining). It’s a staple for anyone seeking an effective full-coverage look without wanting to feel heavy. It also lasts for the entire work day.

With vegetal squalene, it helps moisturize the skin — making it a top option for combination or dry skin types, especially. Though it isn’t the best at keeping your skin oil-free as the day progresses, its formulation is worth the hype (and, the pump is one of the most ergonomic I’ve used).

Pros:

• Generous shade range
• Ideal for all-day events, while still offering full-coverage
• Not as thick as other foundations tested so won’t feel heavy on the skin

Cons:

• Doesn’t have as long of a shelf life as others tested (tends to become watery after six months)
• Price point may be extreme to some

Price: $$$$

The PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation is just as riveting as the brand’s array of beyond-gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and is one of the best brands I’ve tested for full-glam looks. In short, you’ll want to do a major shopping spree before your next date night or formal occasion.

Not only is its packaging second to none — even the box it comes in! — but its ability to serve as the longest-lasting foundation I tested is exemplary. Specifically, it consistently upheld from 5:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., coming in clutch on my commute to work, the eight-hour work day and for events happening in the nighttime.

It’s the ultimate splurge, too. It’s closest in formulation to the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, but a bit more lightweight and longer-lasting.

Pros:

• Has the widest shade range among all foundations tested
• Effective for all skin types, as it doesn’t flake or make the skin oily

Cons:

• Can make the skin appear slightly dull throughout the day if not followed up with a powder, blush or additional makeup following application

Price: $$

Queen RiRi has more to show than her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance. Her brand, Fenty Beauty, has one of the most coveted foundations in the industry with its Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.

TLDR: you won’t find a more generous shade range (and this goes for most of the brand’s products) that not only lasts for the entire day but also offers the most subtle of matte finishes. This is wonderful for my preferences, as I don’t love a full-matte look. It’s great for any skin type, too, as it never flaked on me but never seemed to make my skin feel oily as the day progressed.

It’s formulation doesn’t lean lightweight or heavy; it’s the perfect Goldilocks foundation. Perhaps this is why it has a grandeur appeal to the masses (and one I’ll continue to recommend indefinitely).

Pros:

• Includes SPF 15 for sun protection
• Has a silky smooth finish that’s versatile to apply and easy to blend
• Generous shade range

Cons:

• Not as long-lasting as other foundations tested

Price: $$$

Shop the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 if you’re looking for a bit more skin protection than your typical run-of-the-mill foundation. Though the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation includes the dermatologist-recommended SPF count of 30, your makeup should never replace applying a facial sunscreen and this one, in particular, had a noticeably elegant finish following my skincare. It’s also much more affordable than YSL’s formulation.

While I didn’t find it to be completely long-lasting (or should I say, as long-lasting as I would have liked), it’s true-to-full-coverage, easy-to-blend design makes it one I continue to reach for. It also helps to correct your undertone, helping to make my skin appear less red.

Pros:

• Lasts in extreme heat and stays put for the entire day
• Doesn’t make the skin appear oily, which is especially ideal for oily or combination skin types
• Generous shade range

Cons:

• Not as buildable as other foundations tested, though not a deal-breaker if you love full-glam looks

Price: $$

The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is one I find in every pro’s toolkit, simply because it has a unique ability to cover your skin’s imperfections on a “thicker” level, helping to produce more full-glam looks with ease, as opposed to more buildable formulas that take a few passes.

Listen, I used this foundation in all temperatures (including 90-degree days in Arizona) and it didn’t leave my skin. Generous shade range aside, its hyaluronic acid-infused, hydrating formulation is fairly priced compared to others tested, and also wonderful to travel with.

Pros:

• True to its full-coverage name; you won’t need more than one pass of this formulation when applied
• Generous shade range
• Long-lasting and feels weightless on the skin

Cons:

• May not be the best for mature skin, as it doesn’t do a great job of concealing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Price: $$$

Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. To be totally candid, it’s the heaviest foundation I tested, so it may not be for everyone, but it’s the one I reach to if I’m taking plenty of photos that day — whether it’s a headshot, a family party or any other paparazzi-filled event (and by paparazzi, we mean the BFF who knows how to get all the angles in record time).

Not only does it last for an impressively long amount (more than eight hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. I don’t know what magic Queen Charlotte put in this formulation, but it’s a surefire standout — and one worth the try.

Our top picks compared, at a glance

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